Only 1-in-3 crimes solved in PH; Palace disappointed

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Wednesday admitted that only one in three reported crimes have been solved by authorities.

“The solution rate has improved from 13 percent to 37 percent. But as far as we are concerned, that is not acceptable because this means that only one out of three crimes are being solved,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing.

Coloma said such statistics, although an improvement, are not acceptable.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Dapat talaga walang unsolved crime. Dahil, halimbawa, pinatay ‘yung tao, hindi naman natin matatanggap ‘yung walang habas nang pagpatay o ‘yung kawalan ng respeto sa buhay nang ating mga mamamayan,” he explained.

(There shouldn’t be any unsolved crimes. Because, for example, someone is killed, we can’t accept such disrespect for human life.)

The statement came days after a series of high-profile killings, including the separate murders of a Pangasinan mayor and a race car driver.

Coloma assured the public that the government is trying its best to address the country’s problems when it comes to crime.

He also said there is a lot of opportunity to do better, especially with the help of citizens.

The Secretary added that the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now recruiting an additional 18,500 policemen and 13,000 civilian personnel. He said the number is still not enough.

In 1986, with a population of 50 million, the Philippines had 125,000 policemen or one officer per 400 citizens.

At present, the 148,000-strong police force caters to 97 million Filipinos.

“Therefore, the coverage ratio has increased to one police officer for every 675 (citizens). Kahit makapag-recruit sila ng 18,500 additional police officer, mapapababa lang ‘yung ratio to one for every 579,” Coloma said.

(Therefore, the overage ratio has increased to one police officer for every 675 citizens. Even if they recruit 18,500 more police officers, the ratio will only go down to one for every 579.)

He said the PNP has now intensified its patrols and checkpoints.

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